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Chamu Chiwanza . . . “Our position is that the efforts being put forward to assist a national cause by Mr Wicknell Chivayo must be applauded”

Eddie Chikamhi Sports Reporter
THE Affirmative Action Group yesterday plunged into the drama which saw Wicknell Chivayo pulling the plug on his sponsorship package for the Warriors by engaging the Harare businessman and asking him to reverse his decision.

Chamu Chiwanza, the AAG president, said Chivayo’s sponsorship of the Warriors needed to be supported as the businessman was empowering the senior national football team and he should remain in their corner until they qualify for the 2017 Nations Cup finals.

Chivayo unveiled a $1 million sponsorship package for ZIFA spread over three years, and says that he has already spent about $600 000 in financial commitments to the association, including paying off the $182 000 debt owed to Belgian coach Tom Saintfiet.

Had that money not been paid by January this year, Zimbabwe would have been thrown out of the 2022 World Cup qualifiers without kicking a ball, as was the case with the 2018 World Cup when the Warriors were barred from the tournament after ZIFA failed to pay Brazilian coach Valinhos.

Chivayo has also secured cars that are being used by Warriors coach Callisto Pasuwa and his Mighty Warriors counterpart Shadreck Mlauzi.

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Chiwanza yesterday said it was important that the country supports those who were coming forward to assist football.

“Our position is that the efforts being put forward to assist a national cause by Mr Wicknell Chivayo must be applauded,” Chiwanza said in a statement.

“It is in line with our thrust of empowerment, we believe that the policies of His Excellency President Mugabe are to empower us so we can empower others, it’s a simultaneous process and sponsorship is one big way of empowerment. We need to encourage more and more of our business people, especially those who have been empowered, to assist national causes. We are also appealing to the Government to offer some kind of tax rebates for people who come to support national teams and national events so as to encourage others.”

Intratrek Zimbabwe managing director of Mr Wicknell Chivayo – pic from africanmillionaire.blogspot.

Chiwanza said the media had a big role to play in nation building.

“We are also making a serious plea to the members of the Fourth Estate to be fair in their judgments when they are executing their duties,” he said.

“We don’t want a pull-him-down attitude and to our fellow Zimbabweans I say let’s rally behind our national teams, they need sponsorship and the few who come forth to support them, let’s appreciate and support them.”

Chiwanza said they had already engaged Chivayo and they were optimistic that the businessman will have a change of heart. We have had lengthy discussions with him, this is a national issue and not Mickey Mouse business, and when it comes to national issues, we pull in one direction,” said Chiwanza.

“The Warriors are an important part of the lives of Zimbabweans and when they win, as was the case in that game against Swaziland, they give the people of this country something to smile about. They cheer our spirits, including the spirits of those Zimbabweans who are outside the country, because the Warriors represent everyone who calls himself or herself a Zimbabwean.

“It’s sad that when we should be celebrating that win over Swaziland, we are back fighting each other and not plotting how we can beat Malawi in the next game, the resources that are needed and the support we can give to the players so that we qualify for the AFCON finals.”

ZIFA spokesperson Xolisani Gwesela said Chivayo’s decision was regrettable.

“The Zimbabwe Football Association would like to salute the millions of Zimbabweans who have rallied behind the new football dispensation,” said Gwesela.

“The new executive committee came into office on December 5, 2015 against a backdrop of myriad challenges. It only takes a collective approach to navigate around them.

“Despite these challenges the association is proud to note that its two flagship teams have been performing well as Mighty Warriors triumphed over Tanzania as well as the Warriors’ emphatic victory over Swaziland.

“The association remains indebted to our sponsor Wicknell Chivayo for the benevolence he has availed to the association in this difficult period. We will continue engaging our valued sponsor for the beauty of our game.

“The association would like to appeal for restraint and support from all stakeholders to allow the new football leadership to steer the ship to warm waters.

“Grandstanding during this delicate phase will not help Zimbabwean football as scores of fans and corporate partners will find no comfort in an environment riddled with blame games and above all name calling.

“We appeal to our Fourth Estate counterparts to preserve the ointment which makes our football beautiful.

“The Zimbabwe Football Association has a policy of not discussing employer and employee matters in the public domain and whatever issues arise between the association and its employees will remain internal and confidential issues.

“The family of football should give Philip Chiyangwa and his team the chance to take Zimbabwean football forward. Our beautiful game cannot afford wallowing in stagnation, underdevelopment, match-fixing and general corruption.”

ZIFA said they appreciated the role that the media plays.

“ZIFA truly appreciates the critical watchdog role that our vibrant media plays. The media fraternity is an integral part of our matches, programmes and events to which they have free access and privileged space,” said Gwesela.

“ZIFA boasts an excellent relationship with members of the public and private media. It is paramount for the media to always report responsibly, fairly, correctly, objectively and ethically to avoid unintended adverse consequences. Any form of friction between media and ZIFA is highly regrettable.

“No purpose is served with needless antagonism between the media and ZIFA as this frustrates valued sponsors without whom the beautiful game would not thrive.”